Will Wagner – Toronto Blue Jays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Will Wagner, the son of former MLB closer Billy Wagner, is carving out his own story in pro baseball. Born in Houston, Texas on July 29, 1998, he got drafted by the Houston Astros in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft after his college run at Liberty University.

Will Wagner recently signed a one-year, $763,000 contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, which includes $763,000 guaranteed.

He made his MLB debut on June 26, 2024, and right now, he’s hustling to make his mark at the big league level. Wagner brings versatility to the infield, having played second, third, and first base.

He bats left and throws right, which gives him an edge as a utility infielder.

Wagner landed with the Blue Jays through a trade—kind of wild that it happened on his birthday, according to reports. His dad, of course, scored some hefty contracts in his day, like that $43 million deal with the Mets.

But Will’s still at the beginning, building his own resume and net worth as he settles in with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

Early Life and Education

Will Wagner grew up in Houston, Texas, and those early years shaped the base for his baseball career.

Childhood and Family Background

Will Wagner was born on July 29, 1998, in Houston, Texas. Baseball was in his blood from the start, thanks to his dad, Billy Wagner—a former MLB relief pitcher with a legendary career.

Billy Wagner’s MLB run stretched across 16 seasons. He was born on July 25, 1971, in Marion, Virginia, to pretty young parents—his mom was 16, his dad just 18.

Growing up in a baseball family gave Will a front-row seat to the realities of pro sports. He caught the baseball bug early, watching his dad compete at the top level.

Educational Journey

Will headed to Liberty University in Virginia, where he juggled academics and baseball. At Liberty, he sharpened his skills and worked toward his degree.

His college years proved crucial for his development as a pro prospect. Scouts, especially from the Houston Astros, started to take notice.

In 2021, the Astros picked Wagner in the 18th round of the MLB Draft—he went 538th overall. That draft day marked his jump from college to the professional ranks.

Professional Baseball Career

Will Wagner’s pro journey has been about steady progress through the minors and finally reaching the majors. His career so far shows just how much consistency and adaptability matter in baseball.

Career Beginnings

The Astros selected Will Wagner in the 18th round (538th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft after four years at Liberty University. He signed for $50,000 and jumped right into Houston’s farm system.

Wagner started out in the lower minors, showing off his contact skills and defensive versatility. He played second, third, and first base, quickly becoming a handy utility guy with a sharp baseball mind.

He stood out for his plate discipline and knack for gap-to-gap hitting—pretty different from the power his dad brought as a pitcher.

Major Achievements and Highlights

Wagner kept moving up the minor league ladder, earning promotions with steady play. His ability to handle multiple infield spots made him valuable, and teams really liked his defensive flexibility.

He hit a big milestone when he debuted in the MLB on June 26, 2024. That moment capped off years of grinding through the minors.

Wagner’s approach at the plate—more about contact and getting on base than home runs—has earned him a reputation as a solid, reliable player. His achievements so far highlight how important it is to have well-rounded skills and a good baseball IQ.

Team Affiliations

Wagner started his pro career with the Houston Astros, just like his dad once did as a closer. The Astros’ player development system helped him grow into a versatile infielder.

He later joined the Toronto Blue Jays, signing a one-year, $763,000 contract, his first major league deal. That contract put him on the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster.

With Toronto, Wagner has kept playing all over the infield—second, third, and first base. The Blue Jays see him as a valuable depth piece, leaning on his defense and contact hitting.

Will Wagner’s Contract Details

Will Wagner’s contract with the Toronto Blue Jays marks his entry-level deal in the majors. It says a lot about how the team views his potential.

Contract Timeline and Terms

Wagner signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jays for $763,000, and the whole amount’s guaranteed. That’s pretty standard for rookies just breaking into the majors.

The deal puts Wagner on the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster, keeping him protected from other teams and giving him a shot to contribute right away.

These terms reflect Wagner’s status as an up-and-coming player but also give the Blue Jays plenty of flexibility. The team controls his rights for several years, thanks to MLB’s pre-arbitration and arbitration rules.

Negotiation and Signing Process

The Blue Jays worked with Wagner’s agents to hammer out the deal after he showed he could handle minor league pitching. The team officially added him to the roster when they called him up from the Buffalo Bisons, their Triple-A squad.

Negotiations probably didn’t last long—rookie contracts usually follow the league’s guidelines. By putting Wagner on the 40-man roster, the Jays showed they believe he’s ready for the big leagues.

They wrapped up the signing in line with MLB rules and financial protocols.

Salary Progression

Wagner’s $763,000 salary is his first big league payday, with room to grow if he performs. His future earnings will follow MLB’s usual path: lower salaries during pre-arbitration, then bigger jumps if he reaches arbitration after about three years.

If Wagner keeps producing, his paychecks could grow a lot during arbitration. The Blue Jays usually wait and see how young players do before offering longer-term deals.

Things that’ll affect Wagner’s future earnings include:

• His stats
• His defensive versatility (second, third, and first base)
• Whether he stays healthy
• How much he contributes to team success

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Will Wagner’s finances have grown as he’s moved up in baseball, and he’s got a few different income streams. His money comes from contracts, possible endorsements, and maybe some smart investments.

Estimated Net Worth

William Wagner has built up a solid chunk of wealth through baseball. Estimates put his net worth somewhere between $2-10 million as of 2025, though numbers vary—one site lists William J. Wagner at about $2 million in April 2025.

For Will Wagner the baseball player, most financial details are private. Still, his pro contract gives him a good financial base.

Players like Wagner can see their earnings climb as the market for utility infielders grows and as their careers progress.

Sources of Income

Wagner’s main income comes from his MLB contract. He signed with the Blue Jays for $763,000, so that’s his guaranteed salary.

He probably earns extra from:

• Performance bonuses
• Playoff shares (if the Jays make it)
• MLB benefits
• Training or appearance fees

Players also get comprehensive insurance, which covers injuries and helps protect their future earnings. It’s a safety net if something goes wrong.

Some players make money from memorabilia or fan events, but it’s unclear if Wagner’s active in those markets.

Investments and Endorsements

Details about Wagner’s investments aren’t public, but most pros work with advisors to diversify. Many invest in:

• Real estate
• Stocks
• Business ventures
• Private equity

Endorsements are another possible income source, but there’s not much public info on Wagner’s deals. Baseball players often team up with sporting goods brands, athletic apparel companies, or local businesses.

Smart financial planning matters—athletes’ careers can be short, and the money has to last. A lot of players work with advisors who know the unique challenges of pro sports finances.

Personal Life and Social Impact

Off the field, Will Wagner keeps a balanced life, mixing personal interests with giving back. Growing up as Billy Wagner’s son has definitely influenced how he approaches his career and life outside baseball.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Since turning pro, Will’s started to make a name for himself as a community-minded guy. After his MLB debut in June 2024, he’s joined several Blue Jays community projects.

He’s especially interested in helping youth baseball programs in underserved areas. In the off-season, he heads back to Houston to volunteer at clinics, teaching kids the basics of the game.

Wagner has talked about wanting to start his own foundation someday, focused on giving baseball opportunities to kids in tough situations. He believes sports can open doors that might otherwise stay shut.

“Baseball gave my family so much,” Wagner said in a recent interview. “I want to make sure other kids get those same chances.”

Interests and Hobbies

Outside of baseball, Wagner keeps things pretty private. He doesn’t chase the spotlight like some athletes do. Instead, he sticks to quieter activities that help him stay focused during the tough MLB season.

Wagner loves to read. He’s talked about his interest in journalism and non-fiction books, especially those about sports history. Teammates have seen him bring books along on road trips, choosing those over scrolling endlessly on his phone or tablet.

When the season ends, Wagner spends a lot of time outdoors. He likes fishing and hiking, which help him feel connected to his Virginia roots. He actually went to Liberty University before the Houston Astros drafted him in 2021.

Since signing his professional contract worth $763,000 with the Blue Jays, he’s gotten more interested in technology. Wagner isn’t working in tech like some former Yahoo execs, but he finds it fascinating how data analytics have changed baseball.